From the street, The Pinnacle appears unnervingly high and potentially difficult to walk. The good news is that it is not, and the views from the lookout make every bit of effort worthwhile. It is one of the very best vantage points in the Grampians National Park for terrific scenic views over a vast expanse of western Victoria.
There are a number of walking options to reach The Pinnacle, varying in distance and difficulty. The easiest route to The Pinnacle departs from the Sundial carpark within the national park and ascends to The Pinnacle via Devils Gap. This is the best route to use if young children or unconfident walkers are part of your walking group. The 4.2km walk will take one and a half to two hours for the return trip. It does include some water crossings and rock-hopping, so good sturdy shoes are essential.
A more challenging walk departs from the aptly named Wonderland carpark and ascends via the impressive Grand Canyon. It does not resemble the American canyon of the same name but is equally impressive with its unique Australian rock formations, albeit on a smaller scale! The walk continues through the Silent Street before rising up to The Pinnacle.
For the really adventurous, you can walk to The Pinnacle from the base of the mountains, starting at the Halls Gap caravan park. This extended walk will take around five hours return so is suitable for fit and experienced walkers.
All these walks offer a variety of incredible rock formations to see and negotiate, as well as lush vegetation that has recovered from bushfires with fresh spurts of new growth. In springtime, wildflowers burst into life with their brilliant bright colours. With an abundance of wildlife living in the park, your walk may also include glimpses of koalas, kangaroos, snakes, skinks and maybe even an echidna or two.
Whichever way you get there, the view from The Pinnacle lookout will astound you. While you get your breath back after your ascent, you will be able to see Halls Gap far below you, as well as Lake Bellfield. Plus you will get a close-up look at the irregular and fascinating rock formations for which the Grampians are so well-known.
The Pinnacle walks
Hiking and bushwalking
Witness breathtaking natural scenery at some of Victoria’s most iconic places when you lace up your boots and take to a hiking trail.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
Wildlife viewing
Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre
Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.
How to get there
The Pinnacle walks
Grampians National Park is located in Western Victoria, a three-hour (260km) drive from Melbourne and a five-hour (460km) drive from Adelaide. The central Grampians is easily accessed from the villages of Halls Gap and Wartook and is a scenic day trip from the regional towns of Hamilton, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat. It is also a key destination on the internationally renowned Great Southern Touring Route.
When you're there
Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Need to know
The Pinnacle walks
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park
Rockclimbing Access Changes - Centurion Walls, Tortoise Wall
Re-discovery of cultural heritage at two designated rock-climbing sites in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has resulted in changes to access.Centurion WallsSignificant Aboriginal cultural values were rediscovered at Lower Centurion in late 2025. As a result, a partial closure is now in place, ensuring cultural heritage protection while maintaining modified climbing access for visitors. On-ground signage at the access track clearly delineates where climbing is or isn’t permitted.Visitors are advised:- Access is closed from the
area north of and including Damage Done. These sites include:
Damage Done, Shades of Black, Liberator, Lexicon, Temuujin, Killer Wolf, Devilled Haircut, Compressor route, Anti-Christ Superstar, Pining for the Fiords, Unknown Route 2, Genghis Khan, Project KP2, Project KP, Kublai Khan, Stone Temptress, Psychotic Episode, Trail of the dead, Flood the Zone, Push it Upstairs, Progressive Happy House.
- All climbs south of and
including In Plain Sight remain open. These climbs include; In Plain Sight, Who
Dreams of Cats, Who Dreams of Cats – short, Nowhere to Hide,
Afterworld, Left Hand Black, Centrifugal Force, Centrifugal Force –
Romanes Eunt Domas (linkup), Romanes Eunt Domas, Black Nobility, Sandpit,
Ton Steine Scherben, Winged Corpse, HCP, Massacres and Maniacs, Lunchbox
Legend, and AA New Rope / New route.
- Access to Upper Centurion
remains unchanged and is via the south end near Winged Corpse.
Tortoise WallWe’re currently asking visitors to not access the area known as ‘Tortoise Wall’ to avoid causing potential harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage that was rediscovered in April 2026. A temporary closure is now in place, while Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response. Out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.For further information visit the 'rock climbing in Gariwerd' web page https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park/rock-climbing-in-gariwerdTemporary closure of a Glenelg River Road section – 25 May to 26 June 2026
The section of Glenelg River Road from the Stony Creek Road intersection to the Boreang Campground turn off will be closed from Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 26 June 2026 for roadworks.The southern end of the closure can be accessed via Rose Creek Road. Paddy Castle walk and Boreang Campground remain open, as does Glenelg River Road, south of Lodge Road.Mount Victory Road will have an increased amount of heavy trucks and machinery. Drivers are urged to slow down and drive with care, particularly in tight corners.Please refer to the map provided for detour information.
For further information please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre Phone 8427 2058.Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 29.05.2026
The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has roads temporarily closed due to bushfire and flood impacts.Please be aware the movement of visitors in parts of the National Park is restrictedOngoing RoadworksMt Zero RdGrading near Roses Gap Rd intersection, drive with caution.Recent OpeningsMitchell RdRecent ClosureGlenelg River RdThe section of Glenelg River Road from the Stony Creek Road intersection to the Boreang Campground turn off will be closed from Monday 25 May 2026 to Friday 26 June 2026 for roadworks.The southern end of the closure can be accessed via Rose Creek Road. Paddy Castle walk and Boreang Campground remain open, as does Glenelg River Road, south of Lodge Road.Likely increased traffic on Rose Creek Road. Also trucks carting materials near Syphon Road.Upcoming Seasonal Road Closures will be in place from 9 June 2026 to 29 October 2026.Please refer to the attached up-to-date road report below.Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report -29.05.2026 (236KB)
- Access is closed from the
area north of and including Damage Done. These sites include:
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Mackenzie Falls Day Visitor Area
Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) – Closed for major construction works – 9 February 2026 to midyear 2026
Construction work at Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is underway and the carpark and precinct is closed to visitors.The works at Mackenzie Falls precinct includes the construction of a new viewing platform at the base of the falls, upgrades to the carpark and the Bluff Lookout Walk and other important safety improvements to stabilise rock and improve walking tracks.
The Mackenzie Falls carpark and all walking tracks in the precinct including Broken Falls Walk, Mackenzie Falls Walk to the base (from the carpark) and the Bluff Lookout Walk are all closed. We anticipate that construction work will finish in the second half of the year.The carpark will be a construction site throughout the works period with large machinery operating and materials being stored on site. There will be no access for all vehicles or visitors at Mackenzie Falls Precinct during construction.Zumsteins Picnic Area ParkingDuring construction parking at the popular Zumsteins picnic area will be limited. It is not recommended for large passenger coaches and long caravans to visit during construction. Similarly, they should not travel between Mackenzie Falls and Zumsteins due to the narrow winding road.A small amount of parking for campervans, small motorhomes and cars with trailers is available opposite the Zumsteins Picnic Area car park, however, may not be available on busy weekends and public holidays.Zumsteins to Fish Falls – This popular walk to the beautiful Fish Falls is a 1.5 to 2 hour return walk (Grade 3) – walkers should have a reasonable fitness level, carry water and wear sturdy walking shoes as the track can be rocky with uneven surfaces and some steep sections.Mackenzie River Walk – There will be no access to the base of Mackenzie Falls from Zumsteins Picnic Area from 27 April 2026 until construction works are complete. Fish Falls will still be accessible from Zumsteins Picnic Area.For further information on the Mackenzie Falls (Migunang wirab) project visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/mackenzie-falls-revitalisationPopular day visitor sites such as Reeds Lookout, the Balconies, Boroka Lookout, Silverband Falls and various walks with large bus carparking will still be available.For further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058).Please keep up to date with closures through the Change of Conditions page for Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. -
Billimina Walk
Billimina Walk – Temporary closure
Billimina Walk and Rock Art Shelter remain closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.An alternative walk in this area is the Manja Walk to the Manja Shelter, which is an Aboriginal Rock Art site in the Victoria Range.For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
The Fortress Walk (Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)
The Fortress Walk and Hike-in Campground – Temporary closure
The Fortress Walk and The Fortress Hike-in Camp remain closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
The Chimney Pots Walk (Victoria Range Remote and Natural Area)
The Chimney Pots Walk – Temporary closure
The Chimney Pots Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Red Gum Walk
Red Gum Walk – Temporary closure
The Red Gum Walk remains closed to visitors due to track damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information on alternate walks in the western section of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Mafeking Picnic Area
Mafeking Picnic Ground and Brownings Loop Walk – Temporary closure
Mafeking Picnic Area and Brownings Loop Walk remain closed to visitors due to damage from the 2024/25 summer bushfires.For more information visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap or call 03 8427 2058. -
Strachans Campground
Strachans Campground –Temporary Closure – 13 April – 25 June 2026
Strachans Campground will be closed to visitors for major upgrade works from 13 April to 25 June 2026.Alternative campgrounds can be booked at https://bookings.parks.vic.gov.au/bookFor further information contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap (Ph 8427 2058). -
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Building Upgrades in 2026
The Cultural Centre is closed for refurbishment.Parks Victoria is working with a strategic partnership committee of Gariwerd Traditional Owners from Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to ‘reimagine’ the future of Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre.Building upgrades are essential to ensure the centre meets current services requirements, accessibility, and compliance to current building regulation. New visitor experiences and activation opportunities including Aboriginal arts, community events and cultural exhibitions are being explored as Brambuk moves towards operation by a Gariwerd Traditional Owner entity.The National Park Information Centre and gift shop remain open.For up-to-date national park information, brochures, maps, permits and access advice contact information staff at Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 8427 2058For Junior Ranger School holiday programs visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/junior-rangersFor a list of Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park Licensed Tour Operators Visit https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/ltoFurther details on the Brambuk Reimagining project can be found on the Parks Victoria website https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/western-victoria/brambuk-cultural-centre-upgrade -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Pest Animal Control Program Scheduled in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park (Burrunj)
Throughout June, a ground shooting program (involving firearms) will occur throughout Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and Black Range State Park- Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park: Every
week of June
- Black Range State Park (Burrunj): 22nd June and
25 June
The program will be delivered at night between 6pm to 5am, in remote areas away from busy visitor sites, and will be carried out by professionals under strict conditions to ensure practices are safe, effective, and humane.There will be no visitor site closures as part of this operation. Areas will be thoroughly assessed and swept prior, but there may be signage in place to notify visitors of the operation occurring in the surrounding area.Target species include deer and goats which cause serious damage to native plants, animals, and habitat by trampling and destroying plants, increasing grazing pressure, ring-barking young trees, fouling waterholes, causing soil erosion, and spreading weeds. Introduced predators (foxes and cats) prey on small mammals and reptiles and impact the ability of these species to recover from bushfire events.For further information, please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre at brambuk@parks.vic.gov.au - Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park: Every
week of June
Similar experiences
Reeds Lookout
Great views overlooking the Victoria Valley. Follow the path around the gate and along the sealed road to the summit of Reeds Lookout. From this magnificent lookout you will receive breathtaking views over Victoria Valley, Victoria Range, Serra Range,
Flinders Peak Lookout
Starting from the Turntable car park, this walk takes you to the highest point of the You Yangs. This is a challenging walk featuring 450 steps and rising 200m in elevation.
The Horn
Enjoy a picnic with a view at The Horn before climbing to the highest point in Mount Buffalo National Park and surveying the folded mountains of the Great Dividing Range stretching into the distance.